Music production
Program
Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old shared a little of what he is good at doing - Quincy Jones
Music Production Program
Program Length: Year Round
Program Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Quarter
Requirement: Piano Test Required
Age group: 11 years to 17 years
Registration Fee: $30
Immerse yourself in the art of Music Production. Discover effective Music Production techniques by exploring melody, rhythm, harmony, and the latest technology. Under the direction of the Program Director in DPAC, you will receive expert support and feedback on your original material from veteran music producers and industry professionals. Learn about the this new world in how the music from your favorite TV show or Movie is made.
Curriculum Overview
Topics are varied and are designed to provide information for all experience levels.
Music Production Workshop: The study of the musical concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony and form as applied to the principles and techniques of writing, producing, and arranging for commercial music(pop, film, and tv). Content focus includes the conceptualization process of combining individual components to create a musically satisfying composition/arrangement.
Recording Techniques for Music Production: Recording at home is a crucial step to getting your music out and into the world. This hour-and-a-half workshop will cover the key techniques and tools to making recordings at home. Topics include: the vocal recording process and why it’s so important, microphone choice, room choices, and fixes.
Collaboration: Some of the best songs ever written have been collaborative efforts. With the right collaborator you can improve your music and increase your productivity, and with the wrong one you may feel as if you’re just wasting your good ideas. Whether you’re the track person, the lyricist, the topliner, or the one that drifts in and out of the room (or all of the above), this class will explore the benefits and pitfalls of collaboration.
Hip-Hop Production Techniques: In this class, you will learn how to write effective hip-hop songs by studying the lyrical and compositional elements involved. The class will listen to current hiphop songs, analyze different hook structures, and perform in-class writing and improvising exercises. Topline Writing for Pop, R&B, and Dance Songs: You don't always have to sit behind a piano or a guitar to write a song. Many of the biggest songs these days are written using a technique called toplining. In this workshop you will learn how to write a song (possibly a hit song) using this technique.
Keyboard Techniques: This class will focus on keyboard techniques and knowledge of theory approached in terms of the keyboard with a focus on songwriting/composition concepts and skills. Each session introduces small composition exercises and technical work on keyboard skills development.